Description
Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers are tender, juicy pieces of boneless chicken thighs marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, then grilled to perfection on skewers with green onions for an authentic Japanese street food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Additional Ingredients
- 2 green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for grilling)
- Skewers (bamboo or metal)
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning. This step ensures the skewers remain intact and safe during cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture forms the flavorful marinade that tenderizes and seasons the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until all the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to overnight, to develop deeper flavor.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with green onion segments onto the soaked skewers, ensuring even distribution for balanced grilling.
- Preheat Grill and Oil Grates: Prepare your grill to medium-high heat and lightly brush the grill grates with sesame oil to prevent sticking and add aroma.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully to achieve a caramelized exterior and thoroughly cooked chicken. Total grilling time is approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Serve: Once cooked through and nicely charred in spots, remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Soaking bamboo skewers is essential to avoid burning during grilling.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor but a minimum of 30 minutes is sufficient.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, but thighs provide more tenderness and juiciness.
- If a grill is unavailable, these skewers can be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.
- Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
